Texas Children’s is committed to supporting the well-being of every employee by continually identifying ways to amplify, activate and innovate our support resources. The Workforce Well-Being Team is pleased to announce that beginning in Fall 2022, we will be expanding our team to include Workforce Chaplains to support Texas Children’s team members’ spiritual and emotional health, and overall well-being.
“As we’re listening to our teams’ needs in all aspects of well-being, we’ve heard an increased need for more joy, gratitude and a connection to something bigger,” said Suzy Harrington, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Well-Being. “We all want to feel valued and there is a great need to feel re-energized. We are happy to have our new chaplains on board to listen closer and offer their spiritual guidance.”
Workplace Chaplains will address many of these needs, commonly associated with “spiritual well-being” – finding meaning, value and motivation in one’s work beyond pay and performance.
Workforce Chaplains’ role
Many of us are familiar with the spiritual role that Support Services Chaplains play for our Texas Children’s patients and their families. They often extend their support beyond patients to many of our team members as well, who carry the heavy responsibility of caring for patients.
With their focus solely on team members, our new Workforce Chaplains will help define support areas, allowing Support Services Chaplains to concentrate more closely on providing excellent spiritual care to our patient families. Workforce Chaplains are dedicated to providing emotional support for our team members through:
- Onsite grief or crisis care
- Spiritual well-being sessions
- Confidential, individual counseling
In support of religious diversity
Although the Workforce Chaplains may practice their own faith and religious traditions, they are committed to upholding Texas Children’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Texas Children’s team members from ALL backgrounds are welcome to seek support from the chaplains, whether the conversation is about spirituality or any other confidential matter that’s on your mind. Their goal is to help team members find meaning, connectedness and value in their work, regardless of religion or belief system.
Meet our growing Workforce Chaplain Team
At the time of this publication, we have welcomed Sarah “Tuba” Alpat and Cletus Aakol to the Workforce Chaplain team. The team will welcome one more chaplain in the near future. Be on the lookout for DEI spotlights to learn more about our amazing chaplains!
What are you most looking forward to in your role as a workforce chaplain at Texas Children’s?
“My hope is to implement the “Ministry of Presence” – I will let colleagues know that I am here, only for them, in their journey. I will walk the hallways, as they are caring for our young patients, thinking positive thoughts for safety and wellness. When I am rounding or responding to a traumatic incident, my presence may give them the opportunity to seek spiritual guidance when and if they need it. I’ll sit with them and listen to their needs, even it might be sometimes just sharing a meaningful silence. Compassionate, non-judgmental, and active listening will be on the table for team members to utilize.” – Sarah “Tuba” Alpat
What words of encouragement would you give our team members, as many deal with the stresses and worries of work and home life?
“There are answers to all life’s problems. The first step towards finding that answer is – Never give up, never be shy to share, and never doubt the possibilities that lie beneath the challenge. Team members should know assuredly that the same infinite passion – which drives the amazing success and breakthroughs here at Texas Children’s – is the same passion that holds the key to their personal success. Together, we win! No matter the challenge – Yes, we can!” – Cletus Aakol
Connect with Workforce Chaplains
Team members may reach our Workforce Chaplains at 832-824-3327 or by email at
Sarah “Tuba” Alpat: stalpat@texaschildrens.org
Cletus Aakol: ckaakol@texaschildrens.org
